Best Airbrush You’ll Ever Use: The Legendary Iwata Airbrush

Many years ago, when I first became interested in airbrushing as a hobby, I settled on a cheap, used Badger I found at a local flea market. While I got plenty of use out it, and it served my purposes at the time (painting terrain and miniatures for tabletop gaming), as I gained experience and started comparing my work to other airbrush artists, it started to become clear to me that no matter how steady and true my aim was, that the airbrush I was using wasn’t giving me quite the results that I wanted. Once I decided to take my airbrushing hobby to the next level and offer my services professionally, at the time I considered it a splurge to buy a brand new Iwata airbrush. This turned out to be a wise investment in my business, starting off with professional-grade airbrushing gear that would serve me for decades to come. I couldn’t even estimate how many times over my Iwata airbrush has paid for itself during my career.

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Key Topics:

Iwata’s Range for Every Artist: Highlights Iwata’s forefront position in airbrush technology with models for every artist’s needs.
Custom Micron Series: Describes the Custom Micron Series as the pinnacle of precision in manufactured airbrushes.
High Performance HP Plus Series: Focuses on the HP Plus Series known for superior atomization and consistent performance.
Hi-Line Series: Details the Hi-Line Series designed for detailed spraying with extreme control.
Eclipse Series: Introduces the Eclipse Series, ideal for both beginners and professionals seeking versatility.
Eclipse Takumi Side Feed Airbrush: Explores the Takumi Side Feed Airbrush’s blend of precision and versatility for complex projects.

Iwata Now Offers Precision Airbrushes for Every Artist

Iwata stands at the forefront of airbrush technology, offering a range of models designed to meet the varied needs of artists across disciplines. From the unparalleled precision of the Custom Micron Series to the versatility of the Eclipse Series, Iwata airbrushes are synonymous with quality and reliability. This article explores the unique features and benefits of Iwata’s main series of airbrushes, helping artists choose the perfect tool for their creative ventures.

Unmatched Quality Meets Unbeatable Prices

Airbrushing Featured Image gravity feed airbrush and cosmic mist

Traditionally considered to be a more expensive option when it came to choosing your airbrush, Iwata now offers their signature quality Japanese manufacturing in a variety of very affordable airbrushes. Brands like Paasch or Badger were forever considered to be the affordable beginner’s airbrush, but it seems like Iwata is absolutely dominating the market in price, too. If you can get an Iwata for the same price, or better in some cases, why would you look any further?

Iwata Custom Micron Series Airbrushes: The Pinnacle of Precision

iwata airbrush custom micron series absolute pinnacle of precision in airbrushing

Greatest Airbrush Made By Human Hands

The Custom Micron Series represents the zenith of Iwata’s commitment to precision engineering. Designed for artists who demand the utmost control and precision, these airbrushes feature hand-matched head systems ensuring flawless spray characteristics. This is the top of the line as far as manufactured airbrushes are concerned, the only way you can achieve a higher quality airbrush is by reverse engineering UFO technology or with magic.

Custom Micron Features:

iwata airbrush custom micron series close up detail with hose attached

CM-B and CM-SB Models: Ideal for detail work with a 0.18 mm needle/nozzle combo. The CM-B’s 1/16 oz color cup and CM-SB’s side-feed cup cater to both left and right-handed users, enhancing visibility over the airbrush.
CM-C and CM-C Plus Models: These models are equipped with a 0.23 mm needle/nozzle and a 1/3 oz cup. The CM-C Plus stands out with its cutaway handle and micro air control (MAC) valve, allowing for on-the-fly airflow adjustments.

Iwata HP Plus Series Airbrushes: The Professional’s Workhorse

iwata airbrush high performance plus total control carrying case packaging

The Iwata Airbrush For the Consummate Professional

The High Performance HP Series airbrushes are celebrated for their superior atomization and consistent performance, making them a staple for illustrators and custom artists. Rugged construction without the compromise of quality, easy to rebuild, and several capacity options make this the hard working airbrush choice for most paint shops. The quality and durability of the HP make this the perfect choice for who wants to airbrush as a business.

High Performance Plus Features:

iwata airbrush hp plus high performance series airbrush close up detail

Enhanced Features: The HP Plus Series introduces a dual-purpose, cutaway, pre-set handle, PTFE packing for solvent-based paints, and redesigned components for a more secure fit and efficient paint flow.
Versatility and Durability: From the fine-detail capabilities of the HP-B to the custom automotive excellence of the HP-BC, each model is designed to offer unparalleled performance and durability.

Iwata Hi-Line Series Airbrushes: Extreme Control for Detailed Spraying

iwata airbrush hi line series total control trigger operated airbrush carrying case packaging

Balancing Ergonomics, Precision, and Paint Capacity

The Hi-Line Series is tailored for artists needing extreme control over detailed spraying. Equipped with Micro Air Control (MAC) valve technology and PTFE needle packings, these airbrushes offer precise control over paint flow and air pressure, making them ideal for projects that require meticulous attention to detail. I really like these for larger projects because of the relatively large capacity and the ergonomic trigger mechanism reduces fatigue, giving very consistent results. It gives the detail and control of an airbrush with the ergonomic comfort of a spray gun, perfect for trucks, boats, or large racing stripes. For fine art or makeup this will work great too, and it really comes down to personal preference of trigger design.

Hi-Line Features:

iwata airbrush hi line series trigger operated gravity feed airbrush ergonomic trigger design

HP-BH and HP-CH Models: Feature 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm nozzles respectively, catering to a wide range of paint mediums and applications.
TH Model: A versatile tool capable of producing stipple effects, round, and fan patterns, perfect for special effects makeup and costume applications.

Iwata Eclipse Series Airbrushes: All-Purpose Excellence

iwata airbrush eclipse series siphon feed airbrush kit in carrying case packaging

Rapid Color Swapping for Airbrush Artists On The Road

The Eclipse Series sets the standard for all-purpose airbrushing, offering versatility that appeals to beginners and professionals alike. With features like dual-action, adjustable-trigger tension, and cutaway handles for easy cleaning, the Eclipse Series is as user-friendly as it is efficient. This series is the threshold where Iwata starts to destroy the competition with price point. If you’re trying to maximize the value of your budget, the Eclipse series is it. The Eclipse siphon feeder option really finds its niche with art designs that require rapid color changes, perfect for airbrushing body art or tattoos at festivals.

Eclipse Features:

iwata airbrush eclipse series airbrush kit with hose and paints

HP-BCS and HP-CS Gravity Feed Value Sets: Provide everything needed to get started, including airbrushes with large paint capacities and accessories for maintenance and color mixing.
HP-BS: Features a 0.35 mm needle and nozzle combination with a compact cup, ideal for beauty applications and fine art.

Iwata Eclipse Takumi Side Feed Airbrush: Artistry in Action

iwata airbrush eclipse takumi side feed airbrush

Artisanal Excellence in an Airbrush

iwata airbrush eclipse takumi side feed airbrush for complex designs on compound surfaces

The Eclipse Takumi Side Feed Airbrush is designed for artists seeking a blend of precision and versatility. Its side feed design and dual-action trigger allow for a wide range of spray patterns, from fine lines to broad strokes, making it an excellent choice for professionals and hobbyists alike. After using Iwata’s side feeder, I realized that this is how side feeders are supposed to work. Extremely tight and easy operation of cup adjustment sets these apart from other brands. By nature, side feed airbrushes are used in a pinch, when up against a compound surface, or even having to paint overhead (airbrushing boats comes to mind). In these precarious situations, you want to be able to fully rely on the quality and functionality of your airbrush. The Eclipse Takumi turns this chore into a joy.

By offering a diverse lineup of airbrushes, Iwata caters to the nuanced needs of artists across various mediums. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, investing in an Iwata airbrush means choosing a tool that will elevate your artistry, enhance your workflow, and stand the test of time. Now that Iwata has expanded their repertoire to include more budget friendly options, even the lucrative hobbyist or start up paint professional can equip themselves with the Masamune of airbrushes.

Source 1: Online Practice Exercises and Getting Started
Source 2: Iwata Operating Instructions